The minimum spacing between bare metal surface-mounted, current carrying parts of opposite polarity in a panelboard with voltage not exceeding 125 volts is?

• A. 1/4 in
• B. 1/2 in
• C. 3/4 in
• D. 1 in

Answer: (C)

Maintaining adequate air clearance between exposed live parts prevents arcing and accidental contact. For a panelboard with voltage not exceeding 125 volts, bare metal parts of opposite polarity must be kept apart by a minimum air gap. Three-quarters of an inch is the standard minimum for this scenario, providing a safe margin against arcing, even with tolerance, dust, or minor misalignment inside the enclosure. The other options are not appropriate here because they either fall short of the required clearance (too small) or exceed the minimum without being the specified value.